Citrus Fruit Peel Research Articles

Evaluating the efficacy of citrus fruit peel extract in preserving the quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi during frozen storage

This research investigated the effects of mosambi peel extract (MPE) on the stability of proteins and textural characteristics of silver carp surimi during frozen storage at -20°C. The findings revealed that surimi fortified with 0.75% MPE displayed upgraded protein solubility (PS), water holding capacity (WHC), Ca2+-ATPase activity, and sulfhydryl (SH) content. It also exhibited reduced levels of total carbonyls and surface hydrophobicity, along with higher overall acceptability compared to surimi treated with synthetic cryoprotectants (control) throughout storage. Additionally, MPE slowed down the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and protein degradation index (PI), as evidenced by SDS-PAGE showing higher intensities of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin over the storage period. Moreover, the incorporation of MPE effectively mitigated lipid oxidation as peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) were lesser than control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) peaks specified that the relative content of α-helix and β-sheet structures remained more stable in the MPE-treated group compared to the control, along with the improved gel and textural properties of surimi. Hence, this study suggests that 0.75% MPE could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic cryoprotectants, ensuring the oxidative stability of silver carp surimi during frozen storage while enriching it with beneficial bioactive compounds.

5-Demethylnobiletin Ameliorates Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis and Apoptosis by Repressing the Sirt1/FOXO3a/NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways.

Apoptosis and fibrosis are two main factors leading to heart failure. 5-Demethylnobiletin (5-OH-Nob) is a natural polymethoxyflavone derived from the peel of citrus fruits that has many biological effects, such as antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we aimed to probe the function and mechanism of 5-OH-Nob in myocardial damage. Primary rat cardiac fibroblasts were exposed to isoproterenol (ISO, 10 µM) to establish an in vitro model of cardiac damage, and ISO (30 mg/kg/d) was used to induce myocardial fibrosis in mice. 5-OH-Nob was used for treatment in vivo and ex vivo. Functional assays revealed that 5-OH-Nob alleviated the apoptosis and fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts treated with ISO and increased cell viability (p < 0.05). In vivo, 5-OH-Nob treatment ameliorated cardiac injury in ISO-treated mice (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, 5-OH-Nob treatment enhanced Sirt1 expression and suppressed ISO-mediated activation of the FOXO3a/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Furthermore, Sirt1 inhibition attenuated the protective effect of 5-OH-Nob on ISO-induced cardiac apoptosis and fibrosis. Overall, 5-demethylnobiletin mediates the Sirt1/FOXO3a/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to mitigate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis.

Therapeutic overview of sudachitin.

Citrus fruits are extensively cultivated and eaten both raw and in refined forms. Citrus fruit peels are highly concentrated in polyphenolic substances. This makes them useful resources. Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), found in citrus peels, belong to a specific subclass of flavonoids where most or all hydroxyl groups are methylated. PMFs have been documented to possess chemopreventive actions, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerosis properties, as well as neuroprotective effects. Sudachitin, a PMF, is primarily found in Citrus sudachi. Japan's Tokushima prefecture is home to this famous fruit. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among researchers in exploring the potential health benefits of sudachitin, spurred by its presence in traditional diets and its association with various positive health outcomes. Studies conducted over the past decade have revealed promising effects of sudachitin in multiple health conditions, including cancer, skin disorders, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although these promising results exist, there is still a need for thorough preclinical and clinical research to confirm sudachitin's effectiveness in treating chronic conditions. This review seeks to summarize animal and cell studies exploring sudachitin's pharmacological properties and the potential molecular pathways underlying its therapeutic effects. Through this, we aim to clarify the clinical potential of sudachitin across various disorders, paving the way for future research and the development of sudachitin-based therapies.

Antifungal activities of some citrus essential oils against Pyricularia oryzae

Rice is a staple food worldwide because many families depend on it as an everyday source of food. However, there are some agents posing as threat to the availability of rice worldwide thereby threatening food security. Pyricularia oryzae is a fungal agent notable for causing rice blast disease thereby causing shortage in the production of rice. Essential oils (EOs) from peels (fresh and dried) of three species of citrus fruit (lime, grapefruit and tangerine) were investigated for their antifungal activity against P. oryzae. The EOs were extracted and analysed for their composition using standard analytical techniques. Their antifungal activities were also tested on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium using disc diffusion method and the results obtained were compared with standard antifungal agents. Dried tangerine EO had the highest fungal mycelial growth inhibition (90%) which was followed by fresh tangerine EO (76.2%). The compounds detected in the essential oils composed majorly hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons with limonene, beta myrcene and alpha terpineol detected in fairly high amount in all the investigated essential oils. This study, shows that the peels of these citrus fruits could be of great importance in combating the scourge of P. oryzae, reducing the occurrence of rice blast disease, enhancing rice availability as a staple food and by extension, ensuring food security. These attributes highlight the potential benefits of citrus fruit peels instead of regarding them as mere waste materials.

Extraction of Natural Dye using Peels of Citrus Fruits for Enhancing Color Fastness of Fabrics

The current study investigates the extraction of dyestuff using citrus fruits and assesses its color, light, rubbing, and perspiration fastness. For the experimental study, three types of citrus fruits—orange, lemon, and grapefruit—were chosen to extract dye from their peels. The dye was applied to two types of fabrics (100% cotton and a blended fabric made of polyester-cotton (PC) with a ratio of 50:50) using the conventional aqueous method. The results revealed the remarkable efficacy of orange dye on both fabric types, demonstrating excellent color fastness attributes, with a minor preference for PC fabric in washing fastness. In contrast, lemon dye displayed better washing fastness properties on the tested materials as well as considerable staining potential. Grapefruit dye performed exceptionally well in terms of water and perspiration fastness. Future research could focus on improving dye extraction techniques for citrus fruits to increase color absorption and penetration. Determining various solvents, time duration for dyeing, and temperature settings could enhance the dyeing performance and effectiveness of natural dyes in different industrial applications. Further studies could also conduct life cycle assessments to measure the environmental impact of using citrus peels as a natural dye source compared to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

Effects of rootstocks and developmental time on the dynamic changes of main functional substances in 'Orah' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by HPLC coupled with UV detection.

Citrus fruit is rich in important functional constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids terpenes and other functional substances that play an important role for treating clinical diseases or controlling major agricultural diseases and pests. Plant secondary metabolites have become one of the most important resources of novel lead compounds, especially young citrus fruits contain multiple functional substances. 'Orah', a type of citrus reticulata, is known for its fine appearance, productivity, delicious sweetness, late-maturing characteristics, and is widely cultivated in China. Fruit thinning and rootstock selection are commonly used agronomic measures in its production to ensure its quality and tree vigor. However, few studies have demonstrated the effects of these agronomic measures on the functional substances of 'Orah'. In this study, we used HPLC coupled with UV to detect the dynamic changes of fruit quality, 13 main flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 2 terpenes, synephrine and antioxidant capacity in both peel and pulp of citrus fruits grafted on four rootstocks (Red orange Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. red tangerine, Ziyang xiangcheng Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka, Trifoliate orange Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf, and Carrizo citrange Citrus sinensis Osb.×P.trifoliate Raf) at six different developmental stages (from 90 DAF to 240 DAF). The results indicated that rootstock can significantly affect the contents of functional constituents and antioxidant capacity in 'Orah'. Additionally, it was found that pruning at either 90 DAF (days after flowering) or 150 DAF produced the most favorable outcomes for extracting functional substances. We also identified rootstock 'Trifoliate orange' has the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and 'Ziyang xiangcheng' to be the optimal in terms of comprehensive sensory of fruit quality, while 'Red orange' and 'Ziyang xiangcheng' are optimal in terms of functional substance quality, and 'Red orange' excels in antioxidant capacity. Overall, the findings demonstrate the important role of rootstocks and developmental stage in shaping fruit sensory quality and functional substance synthesis, providing valuable insights for guiding rootstock selection, determining thinning time, and utilizing pruned fruits in a more informed manner.

Citrus-derived flavanones as neuraminidase inhibitors: In vitro and in silico study

Neuraminidase (NA) has been well-studied as a therapeutic target for Influenza. However, resistance to the influenza virus has been observed recently. Out of special interest in the utilization of dietary antivirals from citrus, in vitro inhibition activity against NA and in silico studies including molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation, and a predictive ADMET study, were performed on five citrus-derived flavanones. Encouragingly, citrus-derived flavanones displayed comparable or even more potent in vitro inhibitory activity than oseltamivir carboxylate against NA. Orange peel extract exhibited higher activity than hesperidin. Among the tested compounds, neohesperidin, forming strong hydrogen-bonding interactions with key arginine residues, exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity against NAs from C. perfringens, consistent with the results of molecular dynamics simulations. Although the molecular docking results were inconsistent with the in vitro activity, the binding energy was identical against the wild-type and mutant, suggesting a lower likelihood of developing drug resistance. Moreover, predictive ADMET studies showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties for the tested compounds. Overall, citrus fruit peel emerges as a promising dietary supplement for prevention and treatment of influenza. These findings elucidate the impact of flavanones on NA activity, and the analysis of their binding modes provides valuable insights into the mechanism of NA inhibition.

Utilizing Biomolecule-Rich Citrus Fruit Waste as a Medium for the Eco-Friendly Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Properties

An ample amount of fruit waste is generated as agro-industrial waste, leading to significant nutritional, economic, and environmental challenges. Fruit peels are rich in many valuable bioactive compounds with the potential for developing nanoparticles. This study examined fresh juices of two citrus fruit peel wastes (Citrus sinensis: C. sinesis and Citrus limon: C. limon) for antioxidants and total protein. Then, we investigated their ability to produce silver nanoparticles, which were further analyzed for anti-microbial activity against thirteen pathogenic microbes. Both Citrus peel juices were rich in secondary metabolites. The formation of Ag nanoparticles was initially confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, with peaks at 400 nm for C. sinensis peel Ag nanoparticles and 430 nm for C. limon peel Ag nanoparticles. Further characterization was conducted using zeta sizer, zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity was tested using the well diffusion method against 11 bacterial strains (five Gram-positive and six Gram-negative) and two fungal strains of Candida. TEM and SEM results revealed a spherical shape, with an average diameter of about 13 nm for C. sinensis and 21 nm for C. limon Ag. EDX confirmed the presence of silver in both nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum of the extract indicated the presence of biomolecules, which facilitated the reduction and capping of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles showed remarkable antimicrobial activity, but the nanoparticles from C. sinensis exhibited stronger antibacterial properties because of their smaller size. Citrus peel waste is a suitable medium for the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles.

Lemon Oil Anti-Microbial And Anti Comedogenic Effects In Skin Care Products

Lemon oil, derived from the peels of citrus fruits, has garnered significant attention due to its antibacterial qualities and potential applications in skincare products. This review paper examines the antibacterial characteristics of limonene, citral, alpha-terpinene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, and geranial, all of which are constituents of lemon oil. These components have demonstrated antimicrobial action against a diverse range of bacteria and fungi. The antibacterial qualities of lemon oil are believed to stem from its ability to impede cellular functions, damage the cell membranes of germs, and hinder the enzymatic processes of microbes. Furthermore, lemon oil has demonstrated potential anti-comedogenic effects, primarily by regulating sebum production and reducing pore size. The antibacterial and anti-comedogenic characteristics of lemon oil mostly stem from its constituents, namely limonene and citral. Lemon oil is commonly used to commercial skincare products due to its potential advantages in promoting clear and healthy skin. The antibacterial and anti-comedogenic qualities of lemon oil make it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of lemon oil. Gaining insight into the potential of lemon oil can facilitate the creation of innovative, organic, and efficient skincare solutions.

Ecoenzyme Potential as Biostimulant against Germination of Shallots of Seed Origin (TSS) (Allium ascalonicum L.)

Ecoenzymes are the result of fermentation of organic matter waste such as vegetable waste or abundant fruits such as citrus fruit peels, pineapple peels and banana peels. Some of the functions of ecoenzymes are as a solution for floor cleaning, disinfectants, vegetable and fruit cleaners, pest control, plant pathogen control, and plant fertilizers. True shallot Seed (TSS) is an alternative onion plant material in the form of seeds. The use of onion botanical seeds is one of the potential technology alternatives developed to obtain quality onion seeds. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of ecoenzyme application as a seed germination booster through seed soaking method using 3 (three) types of ecoenzyme liquid with a solution concentration of 5.0 ml / L water. The results showed that the application of ecoenzymes was able to increase the germination of TSS seeds compared to controls. Ecoenzymes from orange peels produce the highest percentage of germination compared to ecoenzymes from banana peels and pineapple peels.

Chemical profiling of citrus fruit-peel and stem extracts by modified UHPLC-TOF-MS and their antiplasmodial, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Citrus jambhiri (Lush) and paradisi (Macf.) have wide usage as food spices. Therefore, the presence of profiled phytochemicals, the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-plasmodial activities of the stem and fruit-peel extracts were studied. The citrus stem and fruit-peel extracts were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF/MS) and anti-plasmodial activities against chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) strain of Plasmodium falciparum, antimicrobial against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as well as antioxidant potentials were determined in triplicate. Metabolite fingerprinting of C. jambhiri stem and C. paradisi fruit-peel extracts revealed rutamarin and spicatin respectively. The stem and fruit-peel of C. jambhiri showed moderate antimalarial activity. C. paradisi stem revealed a weak activity; however, C. paradisi fruit-peel showed no antimalarial activity (IC50 >100 μg/mL). C. paradisi and C. jambhiri extracts exhibited lower inhibition concentration (IC50: 3.0–7.0 µgmL−1), than ascorbic acid (IC50: 9.0 µgmL−1). C. paradisi stem DCM/methanol extract showed a reducing value of EC50: 8.00 µgmL−1 whereas reference compound used, (ascorbic acid) had EC50: 11.00 µgmL−1. Furthermore, C. jambhiri stem extract showed the best antimicrobial activity against the clinical isolates with high inhibition zones ≥ 15 mm. There is a paucity of information on the identification and importance of rutamarin and spicatin from Citrus extracts as a functional food ingredient with a promising compound implicated in the development of antimalarial drugs. Overall result however showed that the two citrus plants contain antioxidant constituents whereas C. jambhiri could be important source of antimicrobial agents. The study profiled two new compounds from the citrus extract and showed the potentials of the plant as source of antimalaria drug.

Evaluation of Peel, Pulp and Juices of Citrus Fruits for Vitamin C Content, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

Citrus fruits like Sweet Orange, Malta, and Lemon are extensively cultivated in India. This research aims to analyze the vitamin C, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of these fruits. Aqueous extracts from the peel, pulp, and juice of these fruits, along with samples stored at 4°C, were prepared for analysis. The DPPH method was employed for antioxidant assessment, antibacterial properties were evaluated using the Agar well diffusion method, and vitamin C content in juices was estimated pH-metrically. The results from the DPPH method indicated that storage at lower temperatures reduced antioxidant properties. All fruit juices exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to their peel and pulp counterparts. Orange juice demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, followed by Malta peel. Lemon juice was found to have the highest vitamin C content. None of the extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus cereus. The study suggests that orange juice is the most potent natural antioxidant among the selected citrus fruits. A mixture of all fruit juices exhibited synergistic effects, while combinations of any two juices showed antagonistic effects.

Health benefits of wheat flatbreads with different fruit peels; determination of anti-oxidant, nutritional value and sensory characteristics

Background: Fruit peels including pomegranate, orange and lemon are rich sources of antioxidant and other bioactive compounds. These fruit peels can be utilized for many health benefits. Methods: The current study was to determine the nutritive value, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of wheat flatbread incorporated with pomegranate, orange and lemon peels. The incorporated flatbreads (chappati/roti) were made by replacing wheat flour with 5% of peels powder of each fruit. Results: The data revealed that addition of fruit peels powder increased the moisture, ash, fats and fiber contentsbut reduced the protein and carbohydrate contents of the flatbreads. The minerals analysis showed that lemon peel incorporated flatbreadhad significantly the highest amounts of calcium, magnesium, sodium and chromium (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, the orange flatbread was relatively superior in iron content only, whereas, the pomegranate had relatively lower minerals content except magnesium. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of flatbreads was also increased with incorporation of peels powder. All the sensory attributes of all the incorporated flatbreads were in the acceptable range. Conclusion: It is recommended that the utilization of peels of citrus fruits as food additive should be encouraged to get potential nutritional and health benefits of the peels. This can be utilized for health benefits in variety of diseases.

The CrMYB33 transcription factor positively coordinate the regulation of both carotenoid accumulation and chlorophyll degradation in the peel of citrus fruit

Citrus, cultivated extensively across the globe, possesses considerable economic importance and nutritional value. With the degradation of chlorophyll and accumulation of carotenoids, mature citrus fruits develop an orange-yellow peel, enhancing fruit value and consumer preference. MYB transcription factors (TFs) exert a significant role in diverse plant developmental processes and investigating their involvement in fruit coloration is crucial for developing new cultivars. This work aimed to characterize a citrus TF, CrMYB33, whose expression was found to be positively correlated with carotenoid biosynthesis during fruit ripening. The interference of CrMYB33 expression in citrus fruit resulted in inhibition of carotenoid accumulation, down-regulation of carotenoid biosynthetic genes, and a slower rate of chlorophyll degradation. Conversely, overexpression of CrMYB33 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) enhanced chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis, resulting in a deeper red coloration of the fruits. Furthermore, the transcription of associated genes was upregulated in CrMYB33-overexpressing tomato fruits. Additional assays reveal that CrMYB33 exhibits direct links and activation of the promoters of lycopene β-cyclase 2 (CrLCYb2), and β-carotene hydroxylases 2 (CrBCH2), both crucial genes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Additionally, it was found to inhibit chlorophyllase (CrCLH), a gene essential in chlorophyll degradation. These findings provide insight into the observed changes in LCYb2, BCH2, and CLH expression in the transgenic lines under investigation. In conclusion, our study revealed that CrMYB33 modulates carotenoid accumulation and chlorophyll degradation in citrus fruits through transcriptionally activating genes involved in metabolic pathways.

Development of citrus peel by-product as a slice jam by using two-level factorial design

Natural slice jam from the citrus peel is a product that enhances the economic value of the waste of citrus fruit peel. The goal of the study was to improve a recipe for a natural jam made entirely from citrus peel and shaped into a square to make it a more convenient and ready-to-eat product. A two-level factorial design was used to investigate the effects of four independent variables; X1: concentration lemon peel (Citrus limonum), X2: concentration orange peel (Citrus sinensis), X3: storage temperature, and X4: sugar. Sample processing was performed at range between 10 and 20 g of lemon and orange peel concentration and sugar (6–10 g) at a constant gelatine weight of 1.6 g. The samples were stored at 2 °C and 25 °C, and textural properties (hardness and adhesiveness) were evaluated. Results indicated that concentrations of lemon peel (10 g), orange peel (15 g), sugar (8 g), and storage temperature (13.5 °C) significantly influenced jam texture. Interaction effects, including AD, BC, and BD, were notable. Optimal conditions favoured higher orange peel concentration. Validation experiments confirmed a maximum 10 g lemon peel concentration with an error below 10%. Despite room temperature storage causing textural quality deterioration due to syneresis, this study contributes valuable insights for food industry applications of natural products, greener and more cost-effective. The factorial design approach effectively optimized citrus peel slice jam formulation, demonstrating the significance of applied sciences in addressing practical challenges.

Effectiveness of Plant-based Repellents against different Anopheles Species: a Systematic Review

Abstract: The deadliest pest that humans are aware of is the mosquito. One of the best ways to lower sickness is to avoid mosquito bites. In daily life, we utilize a variety of synthetic mosquito repellents; nevertheless, prolonged use of these repellents can pose health and environmental risks. Many plants have been utilized as fumigants, insecticidal agents, and repellents since ancient times. The majority of plants include phytochemicals that act as insect repellent, shielding them from numerous insect attacks. The study presented in this paper aims to create herbal insect repellent formulations that are both safe and effective. Insecticides used in the past included neem oil, camphor, orange peel powder, and orange seeds. There are numerous applications for the dehydrated peels of citrus fruits in pest management. An effective repellent is orange oil, which is derived from orange peels. Linalool, a widely used flavouring agent and ingredient in perfumes, exhibits insect repellent qualities in addition to its olfactory qualities. Furthermore, it has been included into flammable items and topical therapies. It can be used in place of synthetic repellent because it has little risk of negative effects and benefits human health. The purpose of our study is to look into the phytochemical extracts from herbal products' repelling properties.

Utilization of Citrus Peel Waste Into Anti-Mosquito Spray Preparations as An Alternative to Malaria Prevention

Malaria is one of the infectious diseases that is still a health problem for the community. Anopheles sp mosquitoes are vectors for spreading malaria caused by plasmodium sp. parasites. The content of citric acid in oranges, makes this fruit has a sour taste that gives a fresh aroma. Essential oils found in orange peels can generally be used as anti-mosquito spray deodorizers. Orange peels can repel mosquitoes because mosquitoes do not like the smell of fragrances. Essential oils contain gologan organic compounds terpenes and terpenoids that are oil-soluble (lipophilic). This study aims to determine the use of citrus peel waste into mosquito repellent spray preparations as an alternative to malaria prevention with variations of active substances infusion of orange peel F1 (20%), F2 (40%). The sample used in this study was an infusion of citrus fruit peel (Citrus Sinensis L). The results of organoleptis test research have a distinctive aroma of sweet orange fruit peel, yellow color and liquid form. While the average pH for all is to have a pH of 5, and for homogeneity tests all three homogeneous formulas are seen in macroscopic and microscopic ways. Test mosquito protection power, in this study the average results obtained for F1 is 43%, and F2 63% for mosquito protection standards is 90%

A circular economy approach: A new formulation based on a lemon peel medium activated with lactobacilli for sustainable control of post-harvest fungal rots in fresh citrus fruit

The aim of the study was to develop an effective bio-formulation for preventing post-harvest fungal rots in fresh citrus fruit through a multi-step process that includes isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria (LABs) from citrus fruit peel, selection of LAB strains with high antifungal activity, chemical characterization of cell free supernatants (CFS), formulation of a lemon peel powdery-based medium (LM) activated with LAB fermentates, chemical characterization of fermented LM, and evaluation of the efficacy of the new bio-formulation against blue mold. Thirteen LABs were recovered from the rind of citrus fruit and identified by the peptide mass fingerprinting method. The antifungal activity of LABs, isolated from citrus fruit, as well as cell free supernatants (CFSs), obtained from their liquid cultures, was tested against diverse plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes, using the dual-culture overlay and the diffusion agar assays, respectively. Two isolates designated as N3B2 and M2B2, both identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, were selected among the others for their relevant antifungal activity. Both isolates showed a broad spectrum antagonistic activity comprising also major postharvest pathogens of citrus fruit, such as Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum, the causal agents of green and blue moulds, respectively, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. karsti, Phytophthora citrophthora and Ph. nicotianae. The N3B2 and M2B2 isolates were used as starter cultures to ferment a lemon peel powder medium enriched with a nutrient water solution (LM). The two formulations obtained by fermenting LM with the N3B2 and M2B2 isolates showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity on the same broad range of pathogens used in the preliminary screening of LABs. Moreover, the two LM-based formulations reduced the severity of blue mold infection and inhibited the sporulation of P. italicum on artificially inoculated lemon fruit. The chemical analysis of LM-based bioformulations revealed their antifungal activity was very probably due to the LAB-derived acidic components, including lactic, acetic, DL-3-phenyllactic, 3-4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic, salicylic acid vanillic acids. These innovative LM-based bioformulations activated with LAB-derived antifungal compounds will be exploited as edible and biodegradable fruit coatings to prolong the shelf-life and prevent post-harvest rots of fresh citrus fruit.

Citrus for wellness: Exploring the bioactive properties of Citrus medica fruit peel with emphasis on its anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties

Citrus medica (Citron) is an underutilised plant consisting of various bioactive elements with numerous medicinal benefits. The present study aimed to evaluate the bioactive properties, including anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, of chloroform extract obtained from the of fruit peel of C. medica. The different types of phytochemicals present in the chloroform extract were analysed using GC-MS. The major components detected included n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, t-tetradecenal, 1-nonadecene etc. Anthelmintic study was conducted using Eisenia fetida as a test organism, revealing a significant anthelmintic effect in the C. medica fruit peel extract compared to the standard drug. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against five test bacterial and fungal strains. Antibacterial tests showed zones of inhibition ranging from 8 to 11 mm, while no prominent zones of inhibition were observed in antifungal tests. The DPPH assay demonstrated significant antioxidant properties of Citron fruit peel extract compared to the standard ascorbic acid. The Chloroform extract of citron fruit peel exhibited significant cytotoxic properties against FaDu (human hypopharyngeal tumour) cell line. The present study indicates the potential of the chloroform extract of C. medica fruit peel to be employed as an anthelmintic, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Hence, it emphasises the prominence that can be given to the dietary consumption of citrus fruit peel in various forms, such as dried peel, powder etc.

Naringin's Alleviation of the Inflammatory Response Caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae by Downregulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 Signalling Pathway.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is responsible for causing Porcine pleuropneumonia (PCP) in pigs. However, using vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and control this disease has become more difficult due to increased bacterial resistance and weak cross-immunity between different APP types. Naringin (NAR), a dihydroflavonoid found in citrus fruit peels, has been recognized as having significant therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. In this study, we investigated the effects of NAR on the inflammatory response caused by APP through both in vivo and in vitro models. The results showed that NAR reduced the number of neutrophils (NEs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and decreased lung injury and the expression of proteins related to the NLRP3 inflammasome after exposure to APP. In addition, NAR inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) P65 in porcine alveolar macrophage (PAMs), reduced protein expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1, and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by APP. Furthermore, NAR prevented the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex by reducing protein interaction between NLRP3, Caspase-1, and ASC. NAR also inhibited the potassium (K+) efflux induced by APP. Overall, these findings suggest that NAR can effectively reduce the lung inflammation caused by APP by inhibiting the over-activated NF-κB/NLRP3 signalling pathway, providing a basis for further exploration of NAR as a potential natural product for preventing and treating APP.